Albania and Turkey conduct joint naval exercise in Vlora Bay
As part of NATO’s “Neptune Strike-26” exercise, the Albanian and Turkish Naval Forces conducted a joint military exercise in Vlora Bay and at the Pashaliman Naval Base. The exercise involved the Albanian patrol vessel “Oriku” P-132 and its boarding team, alongside the Turkish naval vessels TCG Anadolu and TCG Gaziantep. …
Supreme Court postpones hearings after court files damaged during protests in Tirana
Albania’s Supreme Court has announced the postponement of court hearings, except for urgent cases, following property damage and damage to judicial files caused by a fire during the protests on October 17. In a public statement issued on October 20, the court said that damage to its premises and infrastructure …
UN Security Council to discuss key issues concerning Kosovo today: What does the new UN report say?
The United Nations Security Council will hold its next meeting on the situation in Kosovo today, with discussions expected to focus on political developments, the security situation, and the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 3:00 p.m. New York time, corresponding to 9:00 p.m. …
ODIHR on Protests in Albania: Concern Over Violence, Calls for Peace
The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) has expressed concern over reports of violence during protests in Albania, as demonstrations in Tirana enter their eighth consecutive day. In a public statement, ODIHR called on all parties to maintain peace, stressing that law enforcement authorities must refrain from …
Begaj Meets US Ambassador in Tirana and Several EU Ambassadors: Reason for Meetings Revealed
Albanian President Bajram Begaj met with US Ambassador to Tirana Eric Wendt on Tuesday. The meeting comes at a time when Albania is facing a series of protests, accompanied by clashes between demonstrators and the State Police. The head of state holds regular meetings with representatives of the diplomatic corps …
PM Rama Responds After Students Reject Dialogue: “I Am Available”
Prime Minister Edi Rama has responded after lecturers and intellectuals who joined the anti-government protests rejected dialogue, reiterating that he is ready to hold talks with anyone willing to engage in discussions. In a video posted on social media, filmed inside the Prime Minister’s Office, Rama highlighted the chants of …
Albania’s Student Revolt Broadens as Trust in Dialogue Erodes
Lecturers, writers and parents joining the demonstrations deepen the political challenge facing Prime Minister Edi Rama, as allegations of police brutality fuel demands for his resignation. Tirana Times, October 20, 2026 – The participation of university lecturers, writers, artists and parents in Albania’s student protests marks a significant widening of …
Albania’s Former Deputy Prime Minister Faces Corruption Charges After Months of Political Protection
The expanded case against Belinda Balluku puts the government’s defence of senior officials—and Parliament’s refusal to authorize her arrest—under renewed scrutiny. Tirana Times, October 20, 2026 – Albania’s special anti-corruption prosecution, SPAK, on Tuesday communicated final charges against former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, including corruption, money laundering, asset concealment …
Albanian PM Rama Steps Up Rhetoric Against Student Protesters
Edi Rama described some of the student protesters involved in unrest in Tirana as extremists who have been manipulated by foreign powers, causing critics to warn that such harsh rhetoric may further inflame tensions. Original post Here
PM Rama: Stone marks boundary between right to protest and state authority
Prime Minister Edi Rama said student protests were being used to conceal acts of violence. He stressed that the problem was not students or citizens exercising their constitutional right to protest, but violent acts. Rama spoke during a meeting at the Ministry of Education with Minister Mirela Kumbaro and Tirana …
In an interview with Tirana Times, Pakistan’s Ambassador Ali Javed discusses bilateral relations with Albania, opportunities for closer cooperation, and Pakistan’s foreign policy and regional security priorities. How would you assess relations between Pakistan and Albania, and where is the greatest potential? Thank you very much for this opportunity! I shall be …
The Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs congratulated the Albanian Coalition and ethnic Albanians in the Presheva Valley on their results in Serbia’s parliamentary elections held the previous day. The ministry said the results highlighted the importance of civic engagement and free voting as expressions of democratic will. Preliminary projections …
Albania will experience mostly stable weather today, with generally clear skies. By midday, temporary patches of cloud will develop over the eastern mountain areas. According to the Military Meteorological Service, isolated light rain is expected in these areas, with light snowfall on mountain peaks. Winds will blow from the north-northeast …
British media outlet Rest Less, in an article by Selene Nelson, has included Albania among 14 of Europe’s most affordable destinations for travellers on a budget. The article highlights the Albanian Riviera, with its attractive beaches and clear blue waters. It names Dhërmi and Ksamil among the country’s popular coastal …
Korçë has become a meeting point for international cinema as the 13th edition of KO Film Fest opens, bringing 100 short films from 40 countries to the southeastern Albanian city over six days. The festival will screen films at Majestik Cinema and the Digital Arts Gallery (GAD), bringing together diverse …
Tropoja’s Chestnut Festival brings together growers and processors to promote local production and expand access to foreign markets. Traditional music and performances by the Dardania ensemble mark the start of the event, which continues into the evening. The festival showcases fresh chestnuts and related products, including honey and traditional dishes …
Durrës’ main entrance has undergone a major transformation following the reconstruction of Adria Street, improving access and creating more space for pedestrians and cyclists. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared footage of the renovated road on social media. The project features new sidewalks, bicycle lanes, modern lighting, road signs and green …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has ruled out resigning despite weeks of protests in Tirana, telling Greek newspaper Kathimerini that governments change through elections, not violence. Rama acknowledged young people’s concerns about education, corruption and the cost of living. He said these issues demand concrete solutions and pledged additional measures for …
Europe and Foreign Affairs Minister Ferit Hoxha has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to democratic freedoms, stressing that peaceful protest is a fundamental right but violence and vandalism have no place in political expression. Hoxha made the remarks during a meeting with ambassadors of European Union member states in Albania on …
Albania recorded an annual inflation rate of 2.9% in September, below the European Union average, Finance Minister Petrit Malaj said, pointing to the resilience of the country’s economy amid price pressures. In a social media post, Malaj highlighted measures the government has introduced to monitor prices and protect household purchasing …